Method of and apparatus for providing bolster-double buttons and the like in bolsters mattresses and cushions

ABSTRACT

A METHOD OF AND AN APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TWO-PART DOUBLE BOLSTER BUTTONS OF SYNTHETIC MATERIAL CONNECTED TOGETHER BY A STAY-PART, AND TWO-PART HOLLOW RIVETS OR THE LIKE EQUIPPED WITH BOLSTER BUTTONS AND SERVING AS A STAYPART IN BOLSTERS, MATTRESSES, CUSHIONS AND THE LIKE, WHICH COMPRISES THE STEPS OF STRONGLY COMPRESSING AND RIGIDLY CLAMPING A BOLSTER ABOUT THE POSITION OF A DOUBLE BOLSTER BUTTON, AND PUNCHING THE BOLSTER AT THE POINT OF THE BOLSTER BUTTON TO BE INSERTED. A SMALL TUBE SLIDES OVER THE SHAFT OF A MANDREL BEHIND CUTTING EDGES OF THE MANDREL AND THE LATTER IS WITHDRAWN THROUGH THE SMALL TUBE AND THE MANDREL AND IS REMOVED FROM THE BOLSTER. A STAY-PART OF ONE PORTION OF THE DOUBLE BOLSTER BUTTON OR OF A HOLLOW RIVET IS INSERTED INTO THE SMALL TUBE ON THE SIDE REMOTE FROM THE MANDREL. THE SMALL TUBE IS THEN WITHDRAWN AND THE OTHER PORTION OF THE DOUBLE BOLSTER BUTTON OR THE RIVET EQUIPPED WITH A BOLSTER BUTTON SLIDES AND IS SECURED ONTO THE FIRST PORTION OF THE BOLSTER BUTTON ALREADY IN THE BOLSTER, AND THE CLAMPING OF THE BOLSTER IS RELEASED.

Dec. 14, 1971 K. BRINK 3,626,562

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING BOLSTERDOUBLE BUTTONS AND THE LIKEIN BOLSTERS, MATTRESSES AND CUSHIONS Filed Feb. 10. 1969 5 Sheets-Sheet1 HYDRA UL. /C 0e PNEUMATIC 7 MEANS FOR OPERA TING CLAMP 4w INVENTOR. W11M Dec. 14, 1971 IN 3,626,562

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING BOLSTER-DOUBLE BUTTONS AND THELIKE IN BOLSTERS, MATTRESSES AND CUSHIONS Filed Feb. 10. 1969 5Sheets-Sheet z INVEN ON.

BY I

Dec. 14, 1971 K. B RINK 3,626,562

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING BOLSTER-DOUBLE BUTTONS AND THELIKE IN BOLSTERS, MATTRESSES AND CUSHIONS Filed Feb. 10, 1969 5Sheets-Sheet 5 41 FIG. 7

} INYENTOR.

MQSWQ Dec. 14, 1971 Filed Feb. 10, 1969 K. BRINK METHOD OF AND APPARATUSFOR PROVIDING BOLSTER-DOUBLE BUTTONS AND THE LIKE IN BOLSTERS,MATTRESSES AND CUSHIONS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

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INVE NTOR.

3,626,562 ATUS FOR PROVIDING BOLSTER-DOUBLE BUTTONS AND THE LIKE INBOLSTERS, MATTRESSES AND Filed Feb. 10, 1969 CUSHIONS Dec. 14, 1971- R KMETHOD OF AND APPAR 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 III 2 4 4 United States Patent US.Cl. 2991.1 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method of and anapparatus for applying two-part double bolster buttons of syntheticmaterial connected together by a stay-part, and two-part hollow rivetsor the like equipped with bolster buttons and serving as a staypart inbolsters, mattresses, cushions and the like, which comprises the stepsof strongly compressing and rigidly clamping a bolster about theposition of a double bolster button, and punching the bolster at thepoint of the bolster button to be inserted. A small tube slides over theshaft of a mandrel behind cutting edges of the mandrel and the latter iswithdrawn through the small tube and the mandrel and is removed from thebolster. A stay-part of one portion of the double bolster button or of ahollow rivet is inserted into the small tube on the side remote from themandrel. The small tube is then withdrawn and the other portion of thedouble bolster button or the rivet equipped with a bolster button slidesand is secured onto the first portion of the bolster button already inthe bolster, and the clamping of the bolster is released.

The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus forproviding bolster double buttons and the like in bolsters, matresses andcushions, in general, and of such two-part bolster-double buttons ofsynthetic material connected together by means of a stay-part and oftwopart hollow rivets and the like equipped with bolster-buttons andserving as a stay-part, in bolsters, mattresses, cushions and the like.

For the securing of bolsters, mattresses, cushions and the like, twobuttons are used now which are sewn together from both sides to thebolster, whereby the sewing threads form a stay between the two buttons.This stay holds the bolster filling and mattress filling, respectively,securely at its place and causes the bolsterand mattresscover,respectively, to be non-displaceable. This stay had to be swen manuallyuntil now. The bolster buttons to be applied should not outwardly showthe thread and no possibility exists to sew this stay by machine.

One is dependent upon the sewing of this stay, because it is extremelydifficult, to insert a stay of stronger material than the sewing threadinto the bolster. Attempts to punch holes into the bolster withconventional means, which permit the passing through of a stay, did notoperate. One requires extremely great forces, in order to projectthrough the bolster, and the ram which is used easily deviates from itsdirection due to different resistances. Also the pushing through ofbolsters with needles, which are stronger than 6 mm., is extremelydifficult. Here also, forces are required, which are greater than theforces which are conventional in normal machines. The needle easilydeviates from its direction. Thus, an apparatus, which presses togetherthe bolster for this punching and retains it, must comprise a ring witha large inner diameter. This large inner diameter of the ring causes,however, on the other hand, that the bolster is prebulged on the sideopposite the needle and attempts to avoid the ice needle. This escapedisplaces the bolster, so that the created hole does not run straight.If finally such a strong needle is punched through the bolster, it mustbe withdawn again for the insertion of the stay. During the withdrawal,the bolster closes again and it is no longer possible, to insert aprefabricated stay into the prepared hole. Other attempts were made topunch the hole by means of a small tube'formed to a cutting edge at itsend face. These attempts also failed, because, here also, the bolstermaterial, and in particular more or less all types of material, andfirst of all, however, synthetic foaming material and artificial fiberwadding (nylon, perlon, dralon, etc.) try to eliminate the punching bybowing out.

These difiiculties are the reason, why today bolster but tons are stillsewn on by hand.

It is one object of the present invention, to provide a method of and anapparatus for the provision of bolster double buttons and the like inbolsters, mattresses and cushions, which provide a simple possibility toarrange holes of a larger diameter in bolsters and to insert into theseholes stays for bolster buttons which are prefabricated withoutdifficulty.

These stays for bolster buttons can be made either of two parts ofsynthetic material, whereby each part is produced integrally with one ofthe two bolster buttons, and

. they could be also hollow rivets, which are likewise made of twoparts, and of which each part is rigidly connected with one of the twobolster buttons. Two such bolster buttons connected by stay parts areconnected to a bolster double button such, that the two stay parts slideinto each other, whereby these two stay parts lock automatically, byinterengaging arresting devices provided thereon or the parts of thehollow rivet are riveted together.

It is another object of the present invention, to provide a method ofand an apparatus for the provision of bolsterdouble buttons and the likein bolsters, mattresses and cushions, wherein the bolster is stronglypressed together and rigidly clamped about the position of the bolsterbutton, the bolster being punched through by means of a mandrel having aplurality of cutting edges at the point of the bolster button to beinserted, a small tube being moved through the punched opening behindthe cutting edges of the mandrel over the shaft of the mandrel, themandrel being withdrawn through the small tube and removed from thebolster, the stay part of one portion of the bolster button, hollowrivet or the like sliding into the small tube on the side remote fromthe mandrel, and the small tube is withdrawn and then the other part ofthe double bolster button or the rivet equipped with one bolster buttonslides on and is secured to the first part already in the bolster,whereupon the clamping is released.

If one proceeds in this manner, and if one uses a pointed mandrelequipped with cutting edges, it is possible to punch bolsters ofconventional strength or thickness already with small forces.

Preferably, one uses a mandrel which has at least three cutting edges.In such mandrel of a diameter of 7.5 mm., one requires by example only aforce of 12 kg. for the punching of bolsters of foam of syntheticmaterial of a thickness of 10 cm. By the following small tube, thesliding of which requires only very small forces, the hole is kept freeeven after the withdrawal of the mandrel, so that one can slide inwithout any effort the stay-part secured to the one bolster button andafter the withdrawal of the small tube from the bolster, this stay-partsits in the bolster and this stay-part projects from the bolster at theside remote from the bolster button, so that the application of thebolster button on this stay-part can be performed without anydifficulty.

By this arrangement, a simple and non-objectionable application ofbolster buttons of particular structure is made possible. The draw-backsof manual labor can be avoided completely thereby.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus for providing of bolster-double buttons and the like inbolsters, mattresses and cushions, which apparatus comprises a clampingdevice compressing strongly the bolster about the position of thebolster button and clamping rigidly the latter, a pointed mandrel havingcutting edges and punching the bolster at the position of the bolsterbutton to be inserted, a small tube displaceable over the shaft of themandrel, a holder for the one part of the bolster button displaceable inthe moving axis of the mandrel towards the small tube and rigidlyclampable, and a holder for the second part of the bolster buttonswingable into the moving axis of the mandrel and displaceable for thesprinkling of the other bolster button part in the moving axis thereof.

Preferably, the mandrel has three cutting edges. The cutting edges arethen well sharpenable, the created hole is sufficiently large and doesnot show the tendency, to tear out in one direction.

It is suitable that the clamping device for the bolster is made of twoparts and attacks from both sides of the bolster. By this arrangement,it is brought about, that the bolster distribution after the clamping isquite unitary, so that the mandrel deviates only slightly from itsdirection during its penetration into the bolster.

It is of advantage, if for the clamping device for the operation of themandrel, for the operation of the small tube, and for the operation ofthe displacementand rotary-movement of the holder for the bolster buttonparts hydraulic or pneumatic operating means are provided. Inparticular, pneumatic operating means are of advantage, because it issuitable, to equip the button holders and the button feeders withconnections to suction conduits, because such connections on suctionconduits assure a safe securing of the bolster button parts or the likeon the button holders and the button feeders. Upon use of a pneumaticarrangement, one obtains then with the same pump unit the pressurizedair as well as the suction air.

It is also suitable to provide a follow control for the clamping of theclamping device, for the penetration movement of the mandrel or thesimultaneous or following displacement movement of the small tube forthe return movement of the mandrel, for the displacement of one buttonholder towards the small tube, for the return movement of the small tubeand the simultaneous follow up movement of the first bolster buttonpart, for the swinging movement of the second bolster button holder intothe movement axis of the mandrel, for the advancement movement of thesecond button holder towards the first button holder, for the returnmovement of the button holder, as well as for the operation of thebutton feeder. One can design this follow control such, that in knownmanner at the end of each path of the individual working means a limitswitch is provided, which releases the start of the movement of thefollowing operating means which successively enters the operation. Itis, however, also possible to provide in known manner a switchingroller, which in timed succession successively runs off the individualmovement processes.

With these and other objects in view, which will become apparent in thefollowing detailed description, the present invention, which is shown byexample only, will be clearly understood in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation, partly in section, of an apparatus, shownschematically, and designed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary showing of the apparatus of FIG. 1, namely theclamping device as well as the operating means for punching of the holeand the insertion of the bolster double button in section prior to thestarting of the operation;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevation similar to that shown in FIG. 2,however, during the first step of the operation, namely the clamping ofthe bolster;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevation similar to that shown in FIG. 2,disclosing the second step of the operation, namely cutting of the holein the bolster;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevation, similar to that shown in FIG. 2,disclosing the third step of the operation, namely the after-sliding ofthe small tube;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevation, similar to that shown in FIG. 2,disclosing the fourth step of operation, namely the withdrawal of themandrel;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevation of the device, similar to that of FIG.2, disclosing the fifth step of the operation, namely the insertion ofthe stay and of the one bolster button into the small tube and thebolster;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevation, similar to that shown in FIG. 2,disclosing the sixth step of the operation, namely the withdrawal of thesmall tube;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevation, similar to that shown in FIG. 2disclosing the seventh step of the operation, namely swinging in of theholder of the second bolster button part into the axis of the movementpath of the mandrel;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary elevation, similar to that shown in FIG. 2,disclosing the eighth step of the operation, namely the displacement ofthe holder of the second bolster button part and anchoring in the stayof the first bolster button part;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevation, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, ofthe ninth step of the operation, namely withdrawal of the button holder;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary elevation, similar to that shown in FIG. 2,disclosing the tenth step of the operation, namely the release of theclamping device;

FIGS. 13a and 13b are axial sections of the two parts comprising thedouble bolster button; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective fragmentary view showing a preferred mandrelhaving three cutting edges.

Referring now to the drawings, a table 2 and a bow 3 are held in amachine frame 1. The bow 3 carries at its lower end a clamping device4a, operated by a hydraulic or pneumatic means 4a; while the table 2 onthe opposite side has a complementary clamping device 4b. The clampingdevice 4b can be omitted in simpler structures, in which case thebolster is retained between the table 2 and the clamping device 4a. Withthis clamping device 4a, the bolster member 5 is clamped prior to startof the operation of the apparatus, designed in accordance with thepresent invention. Below the table 2 is arranged a mandrel 6, which hasseveral cutting edges at its point. This mandrel 6 is moved verticallyupwardly in connection with the machine shown in the drawings by meansof a pneumatic cylinder 9. A small tube 8 is disposed slidably over themandrel, which small tube 8 is fortified in downward direction anddriven by the piston of the pneumatic cylinder 9 and thereby thepneumatic drive 7 is retained in the upper end position for reception ofthe button part disclosed in FIG. 13b and upon receipt of the buttonpart 13b, the small tube 8 is displaced into the lower end position.

In a simpler embodiment, the small tube 8 can be joined with the mandrelin the advancing direction, by example by means of a set off on themandrel and inside of the smalle tube 8 and thereafter can be retainedand moved back by conventional means.

With the mandrel 6 which is equipped with cutting edges, preferablythree cutting edges 6' as shown in FIG. 14, the bolster 5 is punchedthrough and either thereafter or simultaneously, the small tube 8 ismoved upwardly through the bolster 5. By this arrangement it is possibleto insert after withdrawal of the mandrel 6a, stay 21 of the bolsterbutton 20 through the small tube 8 into the bolster 5. This takes placesuch, that the button holder 10 is moved downwardly by the pneumatic;cylinder 11.

after the mandrel 6 has been withdrawn from the bolster 5. If the buttonreaches its lower position, the small tube 8 can be withdrawn, so thatthe stay 21 sits in the bolster 5. By means of the rotary drive 12, thearm 14, carrying the second button holder 13, swings in after the returnmovement of the mandrel 6 and the small tube 8 into the axis of themovement path of the mandrel 6, and, after it has reached the axis, ispushed upwardly by means of the pneumatic cylinder 15, so that thesecond button part 23 with its stay projection 22 penetrates the staypart 21 of the bolster button 20, which is retained in its position bythe button holder 10 by means of the pneumatic cylinder 11 filled withpressurized air. On a console 16 a button feeder 17 is provided which,by means of a multiple pneumatic cylinder 18 can be moved into themovement path of the button holder .10, so that the button holder 10 canreceive, by means of pressure below atmospheric pressure a button parttransported on the face 19. A similar feeder is provided for the buttonholder 13, however, not shown, since due to the swinging movement of thearm 14, this feeder is disposed behind the plane of the drawing. Also,one or a plurality of abutments 25 with switches are provided, whichstart the operation by means of a follow control upon engagement of thebolster member equipped with the double bolster button.

Conduits 24, 24b, and 24c are provided for feeding pressure belowatmospheric pressure to the button holders 10 and 13 and the feedingdevice 17, respectively.

In FIGS. 2 to 11 the individual steps of the operation of the machineare disclosed. The last step, namely the release of the bolster memberfrom its clamping position, is shown in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 13a and 13b show the double bolster button to be worked on themachine. It is to be understood, however, that also other buttons can beworked, as long as the same have only two telescope-like stay partscapable of being put into a locking position by sliding into each other.The bolster button is disposed on a stay part which is formedtubular-like and has means for the locking in form grooves, flutes orthreads, while the stay part of the bolster button of FIG. 13 is formedpin-like and has projections extending into the grooves, flutes orthreads.

The machine is successfully used in the working of bolsters, mattresses,cushions, inserts, garden furniture attachments, etc.

While I have disclosed one embodiment of the present invention, it is tobe understood that this embodiment is given by example only and not in alimiting sense.

I claim:

1. A method of applying two-part double part bolsterbuttons of syntheticmaterial connected together by a stay-part, in bolsters, mattresses,cushions, comprising the steps of strongly compressing and rigidlyclamping from both sides a bolster about the position of a double partbolster button to be inserted,

sliding a small tube over the shaft of a mandrel behind cutting edges ofsaid mandrel,

punching a hole in said bolster at the point of said bolster button tobe inserted by insertion therethrough of said mandrel and tube,

withdrawing said mandrel through said small tube and removing saidmandrel from said bolster and leaving said small tube in said bolster,

inserting a hollow stay-part of one part of said double part bolsterbutton into said small tube from the side remote from said mandrel,

withdrawing said small tube,

sliding on and securing the other portion of said double part bolsterbutton into said stay-part of said one part of said bolster buttonalready in said bolster, and

releasing the clamping of said bolster.

2. The method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said step of punchingsaid bolster is performed simultaneously with said mandrel and saidsmall tube.

3. An apparatus for applying of double part bolster buttons of syntheticmaterial, in bolsters, mattresses, cushions, comprising a clamping meansfor compressing, strongly clamping said bolster from both sides aboutthe position of a bolster button to be inserted,

a pointed mandrel including a shaft and having cutting edges andpunching said bolster at the point of said bolster button to beinserted,

a small tube displaceable over said shaft of said mandrel,

a first holder for one part of said double part bolster buttondisplaceable in the direction of movement of said mandrel towards saidsmall tube, and

a second holder for the other part of said double part bolster buttonswingable to and away from the axis of movement of said mandrel anddisplaceable in the axis of movement of said other part of said doublepart bolster button for the insertion of the latter.

4. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said mandrel hasthree cutting edges.

5. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said clamping devicefor said bolster comprises two parts and engages said bolster onopposite sides. 6. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 3, whichincludes hydraulic or pneumatic operating means for the operation ofsaid clamping means, for the operation of said mandrel, for theoperation of said small tube and for the operation of said holders,respectively.

7. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 3, which includes a feedingdevice for said bolster button to said holders.

8. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 7, which includes conduits forfeeding pressure below atmospheric pressure to and connected with saidholders and said feeding device, for holding said parts of said bolsterbutton.

9. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 7, which includes means for theoperation of said clamping means,

means for the punch movement of said mandrel, means for the displacementmovement of said small tube,

means for the return movement of said first holder towards said smalltube and the simultaneous follow up movement of said one part of thesaid bolster button,

means for the swinging movement of said second holder into the axis ofmovement of said mandrel,

means for the advancing movement of said second holder towards saidfirst holder,

means for the return movements of said holders, and

means for the operation of said feeding device.

10. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said second holderis simultaneously swingable and axially displaceable.

11. The apparatus, as set forth in claim v10, wherein .said mandrel andtube are displaceable away from said bolster to a position such thatsaid second holder can swingably move said other part of said bolsterbutton into coaxial alignment with, and for insertion into, said onepart of said bolster button when the latter is inserted in said bolster.

12. The apparatus, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said first holderpositions said one part of said bolster button into said bolster,

said second holder inserts said other part of said bolster intocooperative securing engagement with said one part of said bolsterbutton,

said one part and said other part of said bolster button in the securingengagement with each other have the same appearance from both sides ofsaid bolster, and

said clamping means and said holders operatively cooperating to insertsaid one part and said other part of said bolster button, respectively,in said bolster 7 8 in symmetrical arrangement relative to alongitudinal FOREIGN PATENTS plane through the middle of said bolster.154,774 10/1904 Germany References Cited FRANK T. YOST, Primary ExaminerUNITED STATES PATENTS 5 881,883 2/1906 Tauber 29-913 916,120 3/1909Dickson 29-91.4 29-91.4, 525; 227-68 2,617,230 11/1952 Brown 29-913

